Journal

Leaving Columbia, Next Stop: San Blas Islands

Just to be clear, I’m referring to our first few hours off the coast, heading for Panama. Colombia & the city of Santa Marta were fantastic – a must visit. But back to our departure…

World ARC was scheduled to leave yesterday (Jan 20) for the islands of San Blas. Due to extreme conditions off the coast between Santa Marta and Cartagena, the port authorities closed the port, and kept us in town for another night. The wind was blowing so hard the night before our intended departure that WIDAGO in fact broke the finger pier off the main pontoon. Whoopsies…no harm came to our big girl, even as we edged ever closer to the riprap on the break wall.

With the delayed start, and rearranged berthing accommodations WIDAGO found herself on the hammerhead, surrounded by the other big cats. Unfortunately, since everyone was well prepared with chores finished in anticipation of leaving, we found ourselves with a bit a free time, a few extra bottles of Señor Zacapa, and plenty of ice. Note to self: avoid excessive celebration prior to delayed start due to extreme weather conditions. Ughhhh.

This morning’s 0800 start came fast and hard….as the starting horn sounded we were just getting off the docks, and clearing the cobwebs. Then we started sailing….a beam reach, winds steady in the upper 30s, gusting to 42kts, rollers every 5-6 seconds at 10-12 feet.

I wanted my mommy….and to turn downwind, and to have the winds dip back into the 20s. He doesn’t know it yet, but this morning’s little adventure is going to cost Ahab at least another six months of mountain living when we get back to dry land. In the meantime, the winds and seas have begun to abate. Hopefully my seasickness will as well.

Hi Ali,
We do feel for you with your sea-sickness – I know that it’s a real bummer! The only comfort that I can give you is that the older you get the less you suffer! Whether this is true or whether it is simply the onset of early dementia I don’t really know. Anyway I am very jealous of your impending visit to the Galapagos Islands – it is always my favourite bit of ‘Master and Commander’
Best wishes
Mike

Your Mommy is right here❤️ I do hope things have calmed down for you by now. I thought this part of the journey was to be smooooth sailing. Hmmmmmm. Love you love you love you Will pray for better weather

Dear Ali, sorry to have missed seeing you last year! I’m amazed at your fortitude! I would be out for the count if I was in those 10to12 ft seas! What an adventure! Safe travels and we found the app and downloaded it and saw exactly where u r now! We r going to follow your more of your trips with great anticipation!